A Toast to The Arts

Chasing the Chameleon: Crime Fiction, Justice & Suspense with Author

In celebration of National Reading Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning author and attorney Paul Coggins, discussing his latest legal thriller "Chasing the Chameleon", released March 6, 2026.
A former U.S. Attorney and nationally prominent criminal defense lawyer, Coggins brings real-world experience to his gripping fiction. In "Chasing the Chameleon," Dallas defense attorney Cash McCahill is forced into a dangerous game with a drug cartel, leading him to assume a new identity while racing to stop a series of violent attacks targeting vulnerable communities.
In this insightful conversation, Coggins shares how his legal career shapes his storytelling, the realities of defending high-stakes clients, and the challenges of writing authentic courtroom drama. He also discusses character development, the influence of classic legal and mystery figures, and his hopes of bringing the Cash McCahill series to television.
🔗 Learn more about Paul Coggins: https://paulcogginsauthor.com/ 

Creative Travel: Exploring Global Crafts and Cultural Traditions

Celebrate National Craft Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, featuring travel writer, photographer, and textile enthusiast Rose Palmer who explores the fascinating connection between travel and textile arts. Known for her "Quilt Tripping" adventures, Rose shares how journeys around the world inspire creativity, cultural understanding, and new perspectives in quilting and crafts.
From the colors and textures found in global markets to traditional techniques like Japanese shibori and sashiko, Rose discusses how textile traditions reflect the stories, heritage, and identity of communities around the world. She also talks about craft-focused travel experiences such as quilting cruises, retreats, and workshops that bring makers together through shared creativity.
Hear how exploring local crafts deepens travel experiences, how quilts can tell powerful cultural stories, and why art and craft remain universal languages that connect people across borders. Rose also shares helpful tips for traveling with your craft supplies and finding meaningful craft experiences while exploring new destinations.
📖 Read Rose’s Article on Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/creative-travel 
🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
📰 Check Out the “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/ 
🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 
📲 This episode is also on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Birita: A Son’s Documentary About His Mother, Alzheimer’s, and the Healing Power of Art

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio, we talk with filmmaker, musician, and theater director Búi Dam about his powerful new documentary Birita, premiering at the renowned documentary festival CPH:DOX.
The deeply personal film follows Búi’s mother, celebrated Faroese actress Birita Mohr, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. In an extraordinary act of love and artistic exploration, Búi attempts to bring her back to the stage to perform King Lear, exploring whether creativity, music, and performance can reconnect memory, identity, and joy.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Faroe Islands, the film captures a family of theater-makers navigating caregiving, artistry, and resilience. The documentary reveals how storytelling, music, and family bonds can illuminate the human spirit—even as memory fades.
In this conversation, Búi shares the inspiration behind the film, the emotional journey of documenting his mother’s story, the role of music and art in Alzheimer’s care, and how personal storytelling can help raise awareness and compassion for families facing dementia.
🎬 Learn more about the film: https://biritafilm.com 
🎥 CPH:DOX Festival: https://cphdox.dk 
📲 Follow the film on social media: @biritafilm 
Through a moving blend of art, music, and family storytelling, Birita reminds us that emotional memory, creativity, and love can endure—even in the face of Alzheimer’s. 

Behind the Mystery with Tucson Sisters in Crime

Celebrate National Reading Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" Podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of mystery writing and crime fiction with the Tucson Sisters in Crime who will be attending the upcoming Tucson Festival of Books (March 14-15, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona).
Featured guests include writer and editor Eva Eldridge, and authors Marty Eberhardt, D.R. Ransdell, Paula Winskye, and Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski, who share insights into their latest books, the creative process behind crafting crime stories, and the inspiration they draw from real places, history, and human psychology.
From the symbolism hidden within mysteries to the role of humor and dark themes in crime fiction, this lively discussion also highlights the power of author networking, the publishing journey, and the excitement surrounding one of the country’s premier literary events.
LEARN MORE: - Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ - DR Ransdell: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ - Marty Eberhardt: https://martyeberhardt.com/ - Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski: https://annabartkowski.com/ - Paula F. Winskye: http://www.winskyebooks.com/ 
The Tucson Festival of Books takes place at the University of Arizona and is one of the largest book festivals in the United States, bringing together authors, readers, and publishing professionals for a weekend of panels, book signings, and literary celebration. More: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ 
The Tucson Sisters in Crime is a Southern Arizona chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime, featuring authors, writers, readers, librarians, editors, publishers, agents, and booksellers with a passion for the mystery genre. More: https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/ 

Photography, Inclusion and the Power of National Parks

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features travel photographer Houston Vandergriff and his mother Katie Vandergriff, who recently served as artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).
Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Houston is a passionate travel photographer who has visited all 50 U.S. states, over 30 countries, and countless destinations around the world. Houston also happens to have Down syndrome, and through his photography he shares a powerful message of inclusion, compassion, and possibility.
In this inspiring conversation, Houston and Katie discuss their journey applying for artist residencies, their experiences exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and their advocacy for greater accessibility in national parks and travel destinations. They talk about how photography allows Houston to communicate his unique perspective on the world, and how travel and art can break down barriers while encouraging people to think beyond limitations.
The discussion also explores the importance of inclusive outdoor experiences, accessible trails, and how creative storytelling can help change perceptions about disability. Through their work, Houston and Katie hope to inspire others to explore the world, embrace new adventures, and recognize that every life has value and every person has worth.
Houston’s photography reflects his personal mission: to help make the world a better place through art, travel, and compassion.
Houston and Katie’s story highlights how creativity, perseverance, and community support can open doors to meaningful opportunities—both in national parks and far beyond.
LEARN MORE:- Houston’s photography and travel stories: https://www.downsandtowns.com/ 
- National Parks Arts Foundation and their artist residency programs in parks across the country: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
- NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ 
- Listen to more Big Blend Radio “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes:https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ 

Find Your West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast, we explore the spirit, stories, and evolving legacy of the American West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Host Terri Guthrie talks with Seth Spillman about how “The Cowboy” preserves and redefines Western storytelling through art, artifacts, Native American history, rodeo culture, ranching traditions, and immersive experiences that bring the West to life.
A major highlight is the groundbreaking new installation, “The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey,” a 360-degree cinematic experience that surrounds visitors with sweeping landscapes, historic imagery, and original music — placing them inside the story of the American West.
Hear the Museum’s newest exhibition, “Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops,” that celebrates the 100th anniversary of America’s most beloved highway. The exhibit explores Route 66’s deep ties to Western migration, cowboy culture, and Oklahoma’s pivotal role along the Mother Road.
From Native American dwellings and interactive exhibits to pop culture influences like classic Western films and modern icons, this episode celebrates the grit, resilience, artistry, and diversity that define the West — past, present, and future.
🔗 Plan your visit: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/ 🔗  Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ 🔗 New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 

Inside The Burrito Brothers’ The Magic Time Machine of Love Album

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Chris P. James, front man of the legendary The Burrito Brothers, to dive into the band’s bold new album, The Magic Time Machine of Love.
Rather than leaning on nostalgia, the Burritos are bending time—fusing recordings spanning 1983–2024 into a genre-blurring journey where jazz motifs inspired by Charles Mingus collide with cosmic country, prog-psych textures, and honky-tonk grit polished for the future.
Chris P. James shares insights into the creative process behind the 12-track release, including:- The album’s “time machine” concept- Innovative recording approaches inspired by The Beatles- Reimagining classics from artists like Procol Harum and Quicksilver Messenger Service- Honoring the legacy of country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons- Blending vintage Burritos spirit with modern sonic innovation
The album also features remarkable moments, including archival contributions from original Flying Burrito members Jon Corneal and Ian Dunlop, a fiery guest turn from former Burrito Brothers guitarist Bob Hatter, and even two tracks featuring Gram Parsons’ vocals brought forward through groundbreaking AI technology.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1968 as the The Flying Burrito Brothers, the Burritos helped pioneer country-rock with landmark albums like The Gilded Palace of Sin. Today’s Nashville-based lineup—Chris P. James, Steve Allen, Tony Paoletta, and Peter Young—continues that legacy while fearlessly pushing forward.
Learn more: https://www.theburritobrothers.net/ 

Find Your Heart on the Jefferson Highway in Greenville, TX: Part 3 - Stage & Style

Welcome back to Day 3 of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville," part of the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast.
This series is the result of our personal visit back in the fall of 2025, a trip we agreed to after meeting the incredible Stacey Foley at the Jefferson Highway Conference in McAlester, Oklahoma, earlier that summer.
Today, we are talking Style and Stage. Greenville has transformed its historic downtown into a bustling entertainment district. We stroll through the downtown and enjoy the interactive Hearts of Hunt County Art Trail, and the incredible murals—specifically "A Legacy of Performance," which showcases all the legends who have played here.
We take you inside the Greenville Municipal Auditorium (GMA), a national treasure that has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, making it a state-of-the-art venue with sound systems rivaling major arenas. Hear about the backstory of this renovation in our first podcast with Micah McBay and Stacey Foley (linked below).
Then, we take you inside The Texan Theater, owned by Barbara Horan. It is truly a house concert experience. From the Houdini posters found in the walls to the Skybox VIP seating, it is where legends like Billy Bob Thornton and Lukas Nelson come to play for an intimate crowd.
Finally, we close the show at Rebel Mary’s Boutique. Tammy Harris is a former nurse turned boutique owner who believes fashion is about confidence. We’re talking about her incredible upcycled silk pieces and the "Community over Competition" spirit that defines Greenville’s small businesses.
🔗 Links Mentioned in this Episode:* Greenville Tourism: http://travelgrenvilletx.com/* Initial Episode with Stacey Foley & Micah McBay: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/e/greenville-texas/* The Texan Theater: https://www.facebook.com/TexanTheater/* Rebel Mary's Boutique: https://rebelmarys.com/* Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/* Jefferson Highway Dispatch Updates: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/* Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas
PART 1 & 2 OF THIS SERIES- Part One: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one- Part Two: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-two